Unveiling MV Asterix, Resolve Class AOR

On Thursday 20 July 2017, I had the privilege to attend the unveiling and christening ceremony of MV Asterix, Resolve class AOR, at the Shipyard of Chantier Davie Canada Inc. in Levis, Quebec. Asterix is owned by Federal Fleet Services of Ottawa and when complete, the ship will be leased to the Royal Canadian Navy as an Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment Ship (AOR).

Resolve Class Naval Support Ship Specifications

Project Resolve Background

Project Resolve has been spearheaded by Federal Fleet to provide the RCN with an interim replenishment ship. With the early paying off of the Canadian Navy’s two AOR’s, PROVIDER and PROTECTOR, the RCN was without the capability of re-supplying it’s ship at sea. Two Joint Support Ships (JSS) have been ordered by the RCN from Seaspan Shipyards in Vancouver, British Columbia. Delivery of these ships is not expected until 2021. This has left the RCN with an serious logistical deficit.

MV Asterix is Federal Fleets answer to this situation. Project Resolve has taken an existing container ship and converted it into an AOR. Once complete the ship will be manned by civilian sailors with the RCN providing sailors for the Air Detachment and Naval Operations.

Canadian Maritime History is Made

Asterix is the largest naval ship to be built in Canada!

The unveiling/christening ceremony for this ship, matched the importance of the Canadian Naval historical milestone.

Dignitaries were gathered along the rail of the drydock and in an elevated platform. Spencer Fraser, CEO of Project Resolve, began the speeches and was followed by a number of Project leaders, politicians and representative of the RCN.

Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy commented on the exceptional qualities of the new ship and the capabilities she will provide to our ships at sea. He also remarked on the unique accommodations of the ship for the sailors. With each sailor having their own cabin, it will make it difficult for them the return to a warship.

Speeches were given praising the accomplishments of Davie Shipyard and the many men and women working on this project. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Roger Litwiller. (IMG_3003)

Also included in the service was a blessing from Oney Maher, Elder Huron-Wendat Nation, calling on natures four elements, earth, fire, wind and water to watch over this ship and protect all who sail in her.

Christening a New Ship

Many sailors believe the birth of a new ship and the success of her career is sealed in the christening. Some “Old Salts” strongly believe if the christening of the ship does not go perfectly, the fate of the ship and all who sail in her may be set in bad luck.

With thousands of onlookers, ship sponsor Pauline Théberge wife of the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, moved to the wing of the stage. The christening ceremony is very simple, Mrs Théberge spoke these monumental words, “I name you Asterix, may God bless this ship and all who sail in her.”

With a snip of the red ribbon holding the bottle of Canadian Sparkling Wine released, sending the bottle hard against the hull of the ship. All could hear the sound of glass shattering on steel and the sparking wine erupted from the bottle, showering the bow of Asterix in a fizzy foam.

From the dockyard great fanfare erupted over the PA system and fireworks streamed from Asterix‘s rail to the thunderous cheers and applause of the thousands of onlookers.

The employees of Chantier Davie, tested the christening rig with three bottles of Sparkling Wine, to ensure that the bottle broke on the first strike. Knowing a few superstitious people may be in the crowd.

MV Asterix will be leased to the RCN on completion, ownership of the ship will remain with Federal Fleet. At the end of the ten year lease there is an option for the Federal Government to purchase the ship. Only then would Asterix receive the Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) designation.

With the official ceremonies complete, many in the large crowd discussed the incredible work the employees of Chantier Davie have accomplished in converting this ship from a container ship to an advanced AOR capable of supporting RCN operations around the globe.

Personally I was awestruck at seeing Asterix on this historic day. The first I saw her was on 20 October 2015, shortly after the ship arrived at the shipyard. The transformation of the ship in remarkable.

Tours of the ship were conducted by the future crew of Asterix and provided a glimpse into the innovations that will enable the RCN to meet and exceed its operations. The ship tour will be a focus of another blog, to follow.

Not saying Asterix is capable of breaking ice, but she does look good on ice! Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Roger Litwiller. (IMG_3019)

With the crowd dissipated, a reception was held in the evening at the prestigious Chateau Frontenac in Old Quebec City. All the guests enjoyed the fellowship in celebrating with Chantier Davie and Federal Fleet accomplishments in Asterix‘s building.

I have been following this project since it was first proposed in early 2015. Project Resolve has moved steadily forward with a simple goal in mind, to provide Canada’s Navy with a capable AOR. There have been issues along the way, but no matter what, the goal of all concerned, has remained in place. Completion of this project is expected to be in November of this year.

Thank you Chantier Davie and Federal Fleet for including Rhonda and myself in the christening of Asterix. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Roger Litwiller. (IMG_3022)

Project Resolve is providing jobs not only in the shipyard, but also for Canadians across the country, providing the systems and material for this ship.

It takes an army to keep a shipyard in operation, but it takes a strong, dedicated, cohesive team to build a ship! BRAVO ZULU to all from welders, pipe fitters, crew members and executives.

As an author of Canada’s Naval History, I was truly honoured to be invited to attend this historic event. Thank you Chantier Davie and Federal Fleet for giving me the opportunity to witness Canadian History!

Recent Comments

Battle Of Atlantic Place -Needs Our Support!!!

Battle of Atlantic Place will tell the story of Canadian’s achievement during the Battle of the Atlantic in WWII. This will not be a museum, but an innovative, experiential centre illuminating the whole story, from fighting U-Boats, to support by hundreds of communities across Canada building ships, supplying goods and material to win the longest battle in the history of man.

Located on the beautiful Halifax waterfront, the building will house the centre and will be architecturally breath-taking; with a glass wall facing the harbour, inside HMCS SACKVILLE, the last surviving corvette from WWII will be preserved with a Canso Flying Boat suspended overhead. The building will be as recognized as the Opera House in Australia and carry the same importance to Canadian’s as the Vimy Ridge Memorial and Juno Beach Centre.

Discover more of this incredible project at the Battle of Atlantic Place Website and pledge your support!
http://battleoftheatlanticplace.ca/